WEBSITE EVALUATION
BEN’S GUIDE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT

CONTENT /
  • The reading level seems appropriate for all elementary grade levels given that there are sections for K-2 and 3-5.
  • The information provided includes maps, historical documents, important facts, links to other resources, and more that are relevant to topics of the U.S. government.
  • The information provided is very comprehensive, giving a wide variety of relevant information.
  • The information is not biased. For example for elections, both the democratic and republican sides are presented equally.
  • The information goes along with the curriculum objectives for a U.S. government.
  • The information is very accurate and up to date.
  • The information is well organize and very accessible for my students to use.

AUTHENTICITY /
  • This website was created by the U.S. Government Printing Office.
  • The most recent update was February 7, 2007.
  • The intent of the authors is to inform kids about the U.S. government and provide teachers and parents with information to help teach their children.
  • The information is objective and factual.
  • The facts can be verified by another source and there are several links to supporting websites.
  • The author’s email address is provided for contact information.
  • The U.S. Department of State is cited within this website.

LEARNING STRATEGIES /
  • The website addresses a higher intelligence and greater cognitive thinking level.
  • The website is mainly a visual approach. If students are to click on other website links, a kinesthetic approach can also be found.
  • To use the website, students need to be able to understand how to click on links to other pages and websites. Students also need to be able to read at their grade appropriate level.
  • The child must be an active learner in order to explore the information given.
  • The site can and will challenge students appropriately because they can even go above their grade level to browse material. At the same time, students will not become frustrated while using the site.

NAVIGATION /
  • The page is well organized and easy for students to navigate through. When browsing material, there are many links back to the home page that allow students to continue to explore.
  • There are no advertisements on this page.
  • There are no pop-up windows.
  • Most of the links either take you to websites that are affiliated with the U.S. government or various activities and pages of information.
  • The site does not have a searchable index, but on the homepage there are links to take you to nearly every section of information needed.
  • Software plug-ins are not necessary to view the site.
  • You can get around in the site very quickly and efficiently.
  • Students could spend an hour and a half on this website. I would probably split it into three thirty minute sessions.

GRAPHICS /
  • The graphics are appropriate for the students.
  • The graphics add excitement and aid the information.
  • The graphics do not delay the loading for the site.

APPEAL /
  • The site is very appealing and catching to the eye.
  • The balance between graphics and information. The graphics actually could help assist in the learning process.

AVAILABILITY /
  • The website is readily available.
  • The URL has not changed and is easy to get.